What is RSPC-IEBThe fundamental objective of the Remote System for the Prevention and Control of Invasive Exotic Bivalves (RSPC-IEB) proposal is to develop a technological procedure that allows the successful accomplishment of the phases described above, offering the market a real solution to the problem generated by this and other species of invading bivalve molluscs. Another commitment of the project is to define a process respectful of the environment, both for the product to be used and for its method of application.
More specifically, the RSPC-IEB project will focus on developing the solution to limit the condition caused by the zebra mussel, and other invasive bivalves, on regulated water bodies serving hydroelectric power stations, irrigation systems, water supply systems etc. In this type of hydraulic infrastructures, several problems associated with the development of colonies of D. polymorpha and other invasive bivalves have been described, among them the following: 1 - the maintenance stops, 2 - the reduction of flow in Colmated pipes, 3 - Condition on the cooling water intakes and their associated filters, which can lead to the cessation of generators due to overheating, 4 - the increase in corrosion of metallic elements (eg pipes) and reduction of their life cycle , Or 5- increased mechanical damage caused by the remains of leaflets that circulate through the hydraulic circuit of these infrastructures. MEETING WITH EXPERTSThe RSPC-IEB project faces the challenge of being able to control and reduce the colonies of these invasive mollusc species in regulated water bodies with depths greater than 10 meters. As described above, there is no reference to any control system that acts efficiently, and without causing significant environmental conditions, in this scenario. The knowledge, lessons learned and technology available and applied to the project make it possible to achieve the intended results of the project.
Part of the success of the RSPC-IEB project is based on the use of Zequanox®. It is the first biological solution that allows controlling the colonies of the zebra and quagga mussels, offering efficiency similar to the described chemical solutions. However, the use of Zequanox® does not produce the conditions that generate these chemical compounds on the aquatic environment, and no negative effects on other native aquatic organisms have been described. The active substance of Zequanox® is based on the presence of dead bacteria of the species Pseudomonas fluorescens. When the invading mussels consume this inactive Pseudomona, at any stage of their life cycle, dysfunction of their digestive system occurs, causing their death. In 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the use of Zequanox as a low-risk pesticide. As a result, Zequanox® is not subject to regulatory restrictions on product use (time of year, frequency of treatments, etc.) and has minimal monitoring and reporting, compared to chemical control methods. In addition, Zequanox® can be applied with standard equipment, practically without interruption of the normal operations, being able to follow the activity of the plants during the treatment. |
What are the differences between RSPC-IEB and the solutions already available in the market?The ECOWATER TECHNOLOGIES Network, which is based on the commercialization of the RSPC-IEB detection and control system, reaches virtually anywhere on the planet. Its system of monitoring and operation, using the satellite networks for 100% of the processes, facilitates an unlimited global market. From the Control Center, geographic divisions will be established to meet the control points according to the Strategic Business Plan through the Ecowater Technologies Technology Franchise Network.
The information obtained by the detection equipment located anywhere on the planet will provide the conditions for the creation of a large database describing the different cases and applications. This information will allow the creation of interactive maps in real time, which will provide management organizations and other competent authorities with the creation of a tool that facilitates environmental and industrial decision making. Currently there is no evidence that the market provides any effective solution to solve the problem described above, especially in water bodies that have depths greater than 10 meters. Although the use of different substances and processes has been used to try to reduce the effects caused by the proliferation of these species, the results have not shown the expected efficacy and / or have generated various environmental problems, for example products Toxic. Among the products and methods that are currently available on the market are:
1. Chlorinated compounds and other oxidizing chemical compounds. Widely employed for control of the zebra and quagga mussel. Its main drawback lies in its toxicity to the environment and human populations, since these are toxic products subject to strict regulatory restrictions. On the other hand, this type of compounds can also damage the hydraulic infrastructures, on which it works, producing, for example, corrosion of pipes. 2. Mechanical methods. While mechanical control methods can cause less damage to the environment and human populations, these are very costly treatments that show significant limitations, since their effect is palliative and only minimizes the problem over a period of time not Very long. 3. Antifouling coatings. It is effective solutions to treat the problem in certain cases, as they are only effective in areas that allow, for example, pressure washing. 4. Ultraviolet (UV) light. Treatment directed to the control of the plantic larval phases (veliger and trocófora), reason why it is not effective to certain depths (> 5m). Its installation requires high costs. 5. Microfiltration. These are systems that demand a high investment in their installation and maintenance. In addition they are only effective in preventing the dispersal of the larvae of these molluscs. Due to the high filtration pressures and the fine pore size they require, they often suffer frequent breaks, decreasing their effectiveness. As in the previous case (UV), they do not solve the problem associated with colonies settled at certain depths. For this reason, its use is used to avoid the dispersion of the species, not to treat colonies already settled. |